Titans NFL Draft Daily (Feb. 7): Deep Offensive Line Class Gives Tennessee Interesting Options
NASHVILLE — Reconstructing an offensive line is never fun. But if there's a bright side for the Tennessee Titans, it's that the 2024 NFL Draft class gives the organization a great opportunity to find more pass protectors for quarterback Will Levis.
Left tackle is the obvious concern, and most of the mock drafts project the Titans selecting Notre Dame's Joe Alt with the No. 7 pick. If not Alt, then Penn State's Olu Fashanu likely lands with Tennessee. Either player is a Day 1 starter in the NFL — especially with the Titans.
While Tennessee has other position concerns — wide receiver and cornerback, primarily — there's a chance the Titans load up on offensive linemen in the draft.
It may be a wise strategy. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah says this is an incredibly skilled draft class for teams looking to restructure the front line.
"If you need to remake your offensive line, this draft is going to provide that opportunity," Jeremiah wrote. "Talent and depth is there to make a major impact next year."
Left guard Peter Skoronski, coming off a solid rookie campaign, is probably the only player along Tennessee's offensive line considered untouchable entering the 2024 season. Every other position is fair game.
If focusing on offensive line is a priority for coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon, they'll have plenty of options besides Alt or Fashanu.
Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson has received praise for his versatility. He earned rave reviews at the Reese's Senior Bowl, winning a lot of reps at center, while also rotating between right and left guard.
He might have played his way into the first round. But if he's available at No. 38, the Titans might give the former Duck a serious look.
Guard Cooper Beebe out of Kansas State is another name to keep an eye on in the second round. He was a two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and is another prospect who could challenge immediately for a starting job.
Beebe ranks as the No. 6 interior offensive lineman in the class, per Pro Football Network. His experience at guard would be a welcome addition to Tennessee, especially if he could lock down the position on the opposite side of Skoronski.
It's incredibly early in this process. Tennessee's plans could change a dozen times before the NFL Draft rolls around in late April. But it wouldn't be surprising if the Titans grab as many quality linemen as possible.
Yes, the Titans have glaring needs at wide receiver and cornerback. But there often are more of those players available in the later rounds of the draft. And there are several quality free agents to consider at both positions. NFL teams can start signing free agents on March 13.
Tennessee needs immediate help on the front line. Loading up on linemen to create better competition and add quality depth is a solid strategy, especially with this class.
Plus, maybe Tennessee's current receivers can be more productive if Levis has time to stand in the pocket and find an open man.
Related Titans stories
- FREE AGENT CORNERBACKS: The Tennessee Titans have the salary cap space to invest in reinforcements for their weak pass defense. Chicago's Jaylon Johnson and Kansas City's L’Jarius Sneed are the highest-ranked cornerbacks on ESPN's Top 50 free agent list, which also includes Tennessee's Sean Murphy-Bunting. CLICK HERE
- TITANS CONFIRM COORDINATOR HIRES: Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan's coordinator hires are official. The Titans released a statement on Monday confirming Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator and Nick Holz as offensive coordinator. CLICK HERE
- JA'MARR CHASE ON CALLAHAN: The Bengals Pro Bowler, who totaled 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first seasons in Cincinnati with Brian Callahan as his offensive coordinator, joins NFL all-stars in an unofficial admiration society of the new Titans coach. CLICK HERE
